I hired a “professional” photographer for my elopement. I told them I wanted a 30 min. Shoot on Saturday/10:30am. They said great but did try to persuade me into an additional 30 minutes (+$125) but I stuck with what I originally wanted. I read/signed the contract & paid in full $300 for 30 mins of photography. The day before as well as 10 hrs. Before the scheduled shoot the photographer reached out to confirm & I did.
One hour before the scheduled time while my fiancé & I were getting ready the photographer reaches out to say they’re canceling & want to reschedule for tomorrow because it’s raining and they don’t want their equipment to get wet- Mind you I fully respect that, but there are key points: -the botanical gardens we we’re meeting at has indoor options available -we booked a hotel to be right next to the gardens because we live an hour away plus traffic is always terrible. -It was not raining, it wasn’t predicted to start raining until after 12-1pm, & in fact didn’t rain at our scheduled shoot time…
But the photographer insisted a different date. I said “well maybe we can make tomorrow evening work” and they said “sorry I’m booked.” I question why they offered tomorrow in the first place & then suggested one last option being 2 weeks from then, when we we’re having our reception to celebrate with loved ones. The photographer agreed to that date at 4pm, But it being done in my city this time which is where they advertise travel amongst without any travel fee.
Once again the days leading up they reach out to confirm & I do-
Then 3 days before they reach out to reschedule again, this time because she didn’t think her babysitter would have plans…
I respectfully told her if I don’t get these pictures taken I’d like a refund, & she said “ok, I’ll look for a babysitter and let you know by Tomorrow! If I can’t, I’ll issue your refund by tomorrow night!”
The next day (day before shoot & wedding reception) she asked if I’m available to do it from 2:30-3pm…. When I scheduled for 4pm. I told her I was unable to do that given everything I had planned & she said she’d issue the refund.
One week later I still didn’t receive any confirmation or refund so I reached out, and they say on their end it says 3-5 business days.
Over a week later I reach out because I still haven’t received anything. They responded saying they canceled and resubmitted it.
I immediately received an email about a PARTIAL REFUND. I ask what that is about and they say- “it’s my policy to secure clients spots, I’m sorry if you feel that’s unfair but that’s my policy”
I still kept it professional and sent the contact asking where it states that, because no where does it state or back up what she’s saying. And that it should be refunded because she couldn’t secure the time for me and uphold her end.
She couldn’t. But instead, said she should have charged me an extra $50 for rescheduling on the original date because of it raining & for travel- for changing the location of the rescheduled date!
When I didn’t even want to reschedule!
So I’m just looking for advice because I’m just pissed this person wasted my time like this and thinks their entitled to keep $150!